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Occupational Therapy works with patients, physicians near and farWhen a person receives an injury resulting in major surgery, most people think of that surgery as having fixed the problem. But, what comes after the surgery? There is often a lot of work to be done by a patient before they are back to full function, or as close to it as they can get. In the Occupational Therapy Department at New Ulm Medical Center they work with patients who have had flexor and extensor tendon repairs, torn ligaments in the wrist, amputations, fractures and other kinds of surgeries. “We work closely with our orthopedic surgeons and primary physicians at the New Ulm Medical Center, but we also frequently work with physicians from different communities,” said Shari Meyer, one of three registered and licensed occupational therapists (OTR) in the department. Gary Wiering and Karole Lieb are the other OTRs and Wendy Guggisberg rounds out the team as a certified occupational therapy assistant. “Many NUMC patients who have had surgery at the medical center may be very familiar with the services of the Occupational Therapy Department,” Meyer said. But, what many may not know is that even if a patient has to go elsewhere for their surgery, they can come back to NUMC for their follow-up therapy. This therapy would focus on restoring strength and mobility to improve functional use of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. “Therapy can last anywhere from six to eight weeks and can be required two to three times a week,” Meyer said. “Imagine having to drive to therapy an hour and a half or more two or three times a week for several weeks, when the services the patient needs are within the community.” Often, a patient who has had surgery will have re-check appointments with their physician every few weeks, Meyer explained. “We work closely with those physicians, whether local or from another community, sending them progress reports via fax, e-mail or with the patient to ensure that the physician is kept in the loop in terms of their progress. It also gives the physician an opportunity to communicate back to the therapist with recommendations for the patient’s treatment plan.” Similarly, patients who have had surgery at NUMC but may live further away from the facility also have an opportunity to receive follow-up therapy closer to home. The Occupational Therapy Department provides services to outpatients at Sleepy Eye Medical Center, Fairfax Nursing Home and Winthrop Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Orthopedic Surgeons Mario DeSouza, MD and Jean Eelma, MD are also seeing patients in Sleepy Eye and Arlington, respectively. Jason Roberts is a perfect example of an unfortunate necessity for occupational therapy. In February of this year, Roberts was enjoying a day on fresh powder with his snowmobile. He never saw the drainage ditch coming until it was too late. He shattered both wrists and said he wouldn’t let his wife even remove his left glove because the bone was protruding through his skin. Following surgery with Dr. Eelma at the New Ulm Medical Center, Roberts required extensive occupational therapy. He started his journey at the medical center with inpatient therapy and progressed to outpatient therapy. He lives in Sanborn and was unable to drive. In fact, he was unable to do pretty much anything for himself, except walk. “It could’ve been worse,” said Roberts, who believes that the key to recovery is to remain upbeat. “I could have broken my legs, too.” Fortunately for Roberts, he was able to do the majority of his occupational therapy in Sleepy Eye. “It worked out just perfect. In addition to saving us 30 miles of driving, my wife works in Sleepy Eye and my parents live there,” he said. “So she could drop me off at my parents’ house and we could run over for therapy after work.” “These services are all about making things easier for our patients,” Meyer said. “When you are recovering from a surgery, being able to get your therapy close to home can make a world of difference.” |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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